In 2018, while traveling to a birthday party, Tiera and her father were in a near-fatal car accident after hitting black ice. Their car flipped more than a dozen times and rolled 200 feet down a steep embankment. Her dad was able to climb up and flag down a trucker who called 911. He climbed back down to wait with Tiera who was trapped in the car, unable to move.
When they got to the hospital the news was not good. Tiera’s neck was broken at C3, leaving her paralyzed from the neck down.
The Culture of Caring
Immediately following the accident, Debbie Zois, Tiera’s OP, launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised enough money to assist with Tiera’s staggering medical bills. Over the years, her Market Center has raised an astounding $154,000 to help her move forward with some independence, including home accessibility modifications.
They also made this lovely video about Tiera’s story:
Seven Years Later
Tiera is a strong, fierce lady, and her daughter, Nyla is now 19 years old.
Tiera says:
Despite this life-changing event, I have remained resilient and determined. Over time, I have re-engaged in professional work within the office and continue to serve my community through nonprofit advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Most recently, I have completed my Life and Health Insurance course and am preparing to take the state exam to become a licensed insurance agent. My goal is to use this new career path to assist the senior and disabled population with Medicare enrollment, which will not only allow me to rebuild income but also enable me to give back to a community I deeply understand and care about.
Where KW Cares Comes In
As a quadriplegic, Tiera relies on voice activation, assistive technology, and caregivers for her most basic needs. But her insurance coverage no longer covers her in-home caregiving. Without coverage for caregiving services, she needed a mechanical bed that could help move her without assistance and prevent painful and dangerous pressure sores. These pressure sores are very difficult to treat and can be deadly–even recently resulting in a two week stay in the hospital.
The mechanical bed is voice-automated and very expensive. Tiera was able to find a refurbished one and KW Cares provided a grant to keep her living in safety and comfort.
A Few Words From Tiera
Dear Review Committee,
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you and the entire Keller Williams Cares review committee for approving my grant request. I am truly humbled and filled with appreciation for the compassion, generosity, and support you have shown me.
This grant represents far more than financial assistance—it is a lifeline that allows me to continue rebuilding stability for my family while maintaining the daily care I require to live independently. Your decision has lifted a tremendous weight off my shoulders and given me the peace of mind to focus on moving forward with renewed strength and purpose.
Your kindness and belief in me serve as a powerful reminder that community and compassion can change lives. This support inspires me to keep pushing forward and to continue giving back through my advocacy work and my future role helping the senior and disabled population with Medicare enrollment.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Tiera McQuater
How You Help through KW Cares
At KW Cares, we try to make sure that people like Tiera and those with other hardships have what they need–it’s all part of the Keller Williams Culture of Caring.
Your gifts to KW Cares can help families like Tiera & Nyla recover from catastrophic hardships. Please donate today!
